How to Fall Asleep When Even Prescription Sleeping Pills Don’t Help, According to An Insomniac

Meet Angie.

Angie is a 56-year-old woman with insomnia. After years of having trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, and being too tired to do normal day-to-day activities, Angie finally went to a doctor who prescribed her a popular sleeping pill.

“I started off taking half a pill as prescribed, but it didn’t seem to do anything. So, I started to take half of one after dinner and the other half right before bedtime. But I still couldn’t fall asleep.” Angie states. Not having success with it, her doctor then prescribed a new pill on the market.

She continues, “The second medication did seem to help me stay asleep for a few hours, but I didn’t like the way it made me feel. I decided I didn’t want to take drugs as a long-term solution for my sleep issues anymore, so I started researching alternatives.”

Here, she shares some surprising suggestions for treating insomnia and falling asleep fast — without medication.

Do Something that Calms Your Mind

When you find yourself tossing and turning, grab a pen and notebook, sit at a desk or table, and write down everything that’s on your mind. Writing works for Angie.

The goal is to calm your mind and release stress before you go to sleep. “It’s amazing how it turns the volume down on my thoughts and relaxes me,” she claims. You can also practice meditation or another form of cognitive behavior exercise.

Unfortunately, a good night’s sleep is only a dream for millions of people.

Put Your Devices on Night Mode

Decreasing your screen time is a great way to boost your sleep health. Try switching your phone’s color filter to grayscale to make it less appealing. Video games, Instagram, etc. are usually filled with color. This is designed to grab your attention, so changing your screen to black and white may make those apps less interesting. 

Sleep in on the Weekends

Set up a reminder on your phone or keep a checklist posted on your bathroom mirror. Angie states it helps to check off everything you need to before bedtime. If your mornings run more smoothly when lunch is made or clothes are laid out, then check those to-do items off your list the night before.

Instead of lying in bed thinking about things you didn’t do that you meant to do during the day, marking them off a nightly checklist will settle your mind and help you fall asleep.

Create a Checklist

Set up a reminder on your phone or keep a checklist posted on your bathroom mirror. Angie states it helps to check off everything you need to before bedtime. If your mornings run more smoothly when lunch is made or clothes are laid out, then check those to-do items off your list the night before.

Instead of lying in bed thinking about things you didn’t do that you meant to do during the day, marking them off a nightly checklist will settle your mind and help you fall asleep.

Don’t Go to Bed Hungry

While diet gurus have long told us not to eat before tucking in, going to bed hungry can actually exacerbate existing sleep issues. Eating a bowl of oatmeal or some whole-grain toast about 30 minutes before bedtime will eliminate the hunger pains and the feeling of an empty stomach that can keep you from falling asleep.

Use Sleep Promoting Products That Work

“Finding Sleep Connection was a game changer. During my research, I came across an article about practical, proven solutions for insomnia, snoring, and shift work,” Angie states. “Of course, I had to try it.”

The first thing Angie bought from Sleep Connection were the Melatonin Patches. “I thought it would be a good idea to put one on during my writing time at night — sort of like an extra dose of something to help calm my mind. I was so impressed after just one night. I didn’t have to take a pill, and the patches are really easy to use. I felt so relaxed when I went to bed after wearing my patch for about an hour.”

Now Angie also sleeps with the Sleeping Eye Mask and the Humidifier. Angie doesn’t suffer from allergies, but she likes knowing that the air in her room is clean and fresh. “I think just knowing that I’m not breathing in dust and allergens helps me relax too,” she states.

“I have always been a light sleeper and am easily awakened by the car lights beaming on my house along my dark street. “Angie admits. “The eye mask is a dream! My room stays pitch black at night, which helps me get the sleep I need. And it is so comfortable. I absolutely love it.”

Angie said she purchased the Anti-Snore Watch for her sister as a birthday gift. “I don’t snore, but my sister does. I got her the wristband to help her stop snoring, and she wears it every night now. She said her husband appreciates it!”

“All I can say is I’m not sorry I found Sleep Connection. Their products have really helped me get the sleep I’ve needed for years. I recommend anyone with insomnia or any other sleep issues give them a try.”

Thank you for sharing your story with us, Angie! Sleep well!